June 1st, 2009

My name is Garvin, and I am a relative new comer to Project Basho. I am a darkroom monitor on Sunday afternoon.

I participated in the Cultural and Community Celebration at Kensington Culinary High School on Saturday, May 30. I was very pleased to meet some local students who are interested in our free photography class for teens. I also met members of our community that are going to help spread the word about our photography outreach program in the area.

The Principal of Kensington Culinary High School, Mr. Williams, introduced himself and shared news that the school is expanding their art program starting next year. He has hired two new art teachers and is hoping to work with us on future projects.

I also let some local elementary school students play with my vintage Nikon SLR and my Holga plastic camera. The kids had a blast running around and taking pictures of each other. Some of them truly caught the “shutterbug.” In a few years when they are older, they will be the perfect candidates to learn photography in our teen outreach program.

Overall, we had a great time at the event and were thrilled to be invited to participate. I want to thank Cindy, Olga and Erin for helping out and Jackie Lopez from City Year Philadelphia for inviting us to the event.

This young student took a self-portrait with Erin's point and shoot camera (Erin appears in the background).

May 15th, 2009

On the evening of April 5th a small group met to discuss a shared desire to bring a photography outreach program to our local community. The idea, in its more simple form, is to run a free photography class for local teens for six weeks during July and August.

Ambitiously, we hope to kick off our pilot program this summer. Three experienced teachers have volunteered their time and expertise for our first summer outreach session. The program is geared for students ages 12 to 16 and will encompass all aspects of traditional black and white photography including, how to use a camera, develop film, and make prints in the darkroom. Students will be encouraged to photograph their surroundings as well as objects and persons familiar to them. The six week session will culminate in a gallery show exhibiting the students’ photographs. Family, friends, and members of the community will be invited to attend and show support for the young photographers.

The Outreach Team is now working on connecting with students to participate in the pilot program and in raising funds to make our vision a reality. Project Basho will need the support of friends, sponsors, and the larger community to secure the cameras, film, and paper necessary to run the program. Together, we know we can run a viable outreach program that will positively impact youth in our community.